Christmas lights are switched on in Portsmouth city centre by blues manager Danny Cowley, Pompey panto stars and the lord mayor

With a mammoth two-hour build-up, led by Wave 105’s morning show DJ Mark Collins, the huge crowd was treated to a full-on feast of festive fun.

Numerous dance troupes from across the region had the chance to strut their stuff, including Surrender Dance Company, SOS Street Dance, South Zone, SD Studios, Victoryland Theatre School, Kailani Dance Company and more.

Asia Merritt, three, from Southsea, was the youngest performer of the evening, with SOS Street Dance. Watched by her parents Jayson and Natsha, her dad said: ‘We videoed it and I had tears in my eyes – I was very proud. She’s only been doing it for two months. This is the first year she can understand what Christmas is, so we wanted to come out and enjoy it.’

The crowds also had a visit from Father Christmas, and some fun with Crabby and the Sea Witch from Curtain Call’s The Little Mermaid, which is the panto at Portsmouth Guildhall from December 19-27.

SEE ALSO: We Shine Portsmouth takes its audience into the deep with Octopuses and Other Sea Creatures

Ben Ofoedu, who is playing Dandini in The Kings’ production of Cinderella, performed a medley of dance tunes, which had the crowd bouncing and singing along – including his signature song, Phats and Small’s Turn Around.

Jodie Fenner, from Leigh Park was there with daughter Jessica Payne, who danced with Street Zone. Mum said: ‘She was very nervous beforehand – she’s done lots of competitions, but this was her first time performing in public, She did really well.’

Jessica added: ‘I’m happy now I’ve done it, I’d like to do more.’

Chanelle Ractliffe, brought daughter Paris, five, to watch the switch on with her friend Hayley Sharp and her daughter Kendall Jacobs, six.

Chanelle said: ‘I’ve not been down here for this since we were kids ourselves. It’s just something nice to do with the kids and get out again – and they got to see Cinderella!’

There will be more Christmas lights switched on, in Palmerston Road, Southsea on November 24, from 5-7pm, and in Cosham High Street on December 1, 5-7pm.